Middlesbrough make move for Lyon’s Fred

Middlesbrough are hovering dangerously just above the relegation zone and manager Gareth Southgate is in desperate need of reinforcement. In 21 Premier League matches this season, Boro have managed just 18 goals and are languishing in 15th place. More worryingly, they are just three points above the drop zone.

Now Southgate is looking overseas for inspiration. According to Sky Sports, the Riverside boss is eager to import Olympique Lyonnais striker Fred, who has fallen out with the club following his late arrival in January after the winter break.

The Brazilian hitman has been told that he will be released from the club once a suitable offer comes in. Boro are fighting hard to make that suitable offer and Sky Sports believe they have made an official approach to the club.

Boro have also been linked with a number of other strikers, a few of then currently plying their trade outside the Premier League. But will the thought of playing on Teesside be tempting enough for these players?

Fred is only 24 and has proved more than once in his tenure at Lyon that he has the talent to play for a top club in Europe. Would he choose Boro over Lyon or any other side? After all, Boro could well be fighting to stave off relegation for the rest of the season – and any player would think twice before moving to the Riverside under such circumstances.